2017 Domaine Stephane Ogier Cote Rotie Cote Blonde Cote Rotie

2017 Domaine Stephane Ogier Cote Rotie Cote Blonde

100 JD

Featured Review

Reminding me of a great vintage of Guigal's Côte Rôtie La Mouline with its exotic, floral character, the 2017 Côte Rôtie Côte Blonde is an incredible achievement as well as a perfect wine. Coming from vines in the middle portion of the Côte Blonde lieu-dit, it was all destemmed and co-fermented with 5% Viognier, and aged 18 months in 30% new French oak. Offering a deep, profound bouquet of black raspberries, spring flowers, camphor, bacon fat, Asian spices, and God knows what else, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, multi-dimension texture, ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a gorgeous finish. With an incredible mix of sexy, opulent fruit and a weightless, elegant texture, it's a magical wine that's already impossible to resist yet will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 20-25 years or more. Bravo! Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck | 100 JD

Stéphane Ogier's 2017 Cote Rotie La Cote Blonde takes the quality at this estate to exquisite heights. As I previously projected from barrel and tank, it's a tremendous effort from vines planted in 2010 and adjacent to Guigal's La Mouline parcel. Soaring aromas of peppery florals, licorice and purple raspberries make a huge impression on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is dense and ripe without being heavy. It is layered with velvety tannins and glycerol richness. The long, long finish adds hints of grilled beef, brown sugar and dried spices and brings a second wave of fruit and refreshing star anise notes alongside a coating of dusty tannins.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 99 RP

Youthful purple. Seductively perfumed dark berry preserve, violet pastille, incense and exotic spice aromas show superb clarity and vibrant mineral lift. Alluringly sweet, palate-staining black raspberry, cherry cola and spicecake flavors are supported by a spine of juicy acidity. Rich but impressively energetic as well, finishing with intense mineral thrust on a wonderfully long finish that features velvety tannins and resonating floral and spice qualities. This wine's interplay of power and delicacy is quite something.

Vinous Media | 96 VM

The nose has very attractive spices and a wealth of pepper and purple berries. There’s a very elegant feel to the palate with such fine and layered tannins that are cloaked in flavorsome, pepper-dusted, rich and ripe blackberries, dark plums and dark cherries. Such finesse and also density here. Really something special. Drink over the next 15 years.

James Suckling | 96-97 JS

Type of Wine	Cote Rotie : The Cote-Rotie will have you feeling a distinct blend of smoked meat flavors and floral notes that bring it all to life, like a colorful salad in a feast. Expect to be greeted by subtle yet delicious hints of leather, plum, white pepper or black pepper as well, depending on the individual bottle.
Varietal	Proprietary Blend : Proprietary Blend is a general term used to indicate that a wine is comprised of multiple grape varietals which are either “proprietary” to the winery or is blended and does not meet the required maximum or minimum percentage of a particular varietal. This also is the case for the grape’s place of origin, especially for region, appellation or vineyard designated wines. There are endless examples of blended wines which are labeled as “Proprietary Blend” and in conjunction with each region’s stipulated wine laws and regulations makes for a vast blanket for wines to fall into. Perhaps the simplest example is California; if a wine is to be labeled as Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, it is required to have at least 75% of the varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon) and 85% of the fruit must be cultivated from the Napa Valley wine district. If the wine does not meet the requirements, it is then labeled as Proprietary Blend.
Country	France : Wine is the lifeblood that courses through the country of France, pulsing with vigorous pride and determination. Viticulture is not just a hobby or an occupation in France; it is a passion, a cherished tradition that has been passed down through generations of wine stained hands. Winemaking is a beloved art that has been ingrained in the culture, an aptitude instilled in sons by fathers and the hallmark for which France’s reputation was built, allowing it to be renowned as, arguably, the most important wine producing country in the world. For centuries, France has been producing wines of superior quality and in much greater quantity than any other country in the world. It boasts some of the most impressive wine regions, coveted vineyards and prestigious wines on earth. The regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Sauternes and Champagne have become the benchmark, for which others aspire to become. Legendary producers such as Chateaux Margaux, Domaine De La Romanee Conti, Chapoutier, d’Yquem and Dom Perignon are idolized world-wide. France has stamped its name on nearly every style of wine, from the nectar-like sweet Sauternes to hedonistic Chateauneuf Du Papes classic Bordeaux and Burgundy, to its sparkling dominance in Champagne. Many of the most infamous grape varietals in the world, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay originated in France and are not only beloved, but utilized in the creation of some of the greatest wines on earth. French wine production commands the attention of the wine market year after year. With over 860,000 hectares under vine, and numbers close to 50 million hectoliters of wine produced annually, France dominates the market and sets the standard for not only product quality, but also quantity. France’s many contributions to the world of wine have been absolutely indispensable. The country is the originator of the term “Premier Cru,” coined the term Terroir (a French term so complex there is no literal translation) and has laid the blueprint for a structured appellation system, which others have implemented in their own countries. French vineyard techniques and winemaking practices are mimicked world-wide. California vintners have been replicating Rhone style wines for decades, South America has adopted the French varietal of Malbec and countries around the world are imitating Burgundian styled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. With vast diversity in terroir, France is home to some of the most hospitable winegrowing locations on earth. The combination of topography, geology, climate, rainfall and even the amount of sunlight combined with the long historical tradition of winegrowing and making, has allowed the vintners of France to not only hone their skills, but learn from nature to create a product that like the world in which it resides… is very much alive.
Region	Rhone : While the Northern Rhone produces only about 5% of all wine coming out of the Rhone Valley, the quality of these bottles is not to be underestimated. The terroir in this region is heavenly for growing Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne or Rousanne - the only permitted grapes in the AOC. Picture this - the Rhone flows through the valley like an azure thread piercing the landscape, a reflection of the dreamy skies hovering above the vineyards, ready to produce rainfall at a moment's notice. The rocky soil of the steep, almost surreal hillsides provides a bountiful feast for the grapevine roots. The flavors and texture of Northern Rhone wines tell you everything you need to know as soon as your lips touch the elixir, like a whisper in the vigorous valley winds As per the Southern Rhone wine, it is like taking a plunge into a whirlpool of juicy flavor. Every sip explodes forward like a crashing tsunami, bathing your tastebuds in delicious aromas of prune, chocolate, grass, and black fruit. The wines are so compelling that it can be hard to drink them casually at a social event without getting lost in their intricate textures and emotional depths. Let's set sail together, and drink deep from these luxurious bottles with our friends and loved ones.